Hugo Chavez Dies: Saviour or tyrant?

Hugo Chavez would proudly say that his job was to kick sand into the eyes of Uncle Sam. He was determined to curb American influence in the region, cosying up to Cuba's Fidel Castro while encouraging fellow Latin American countries to turn their backs on Washington. At home, he enjoyed broad support among his nation's poor. Annette Young and her guests discuss the legacy of the polarising figure that was President Hugo Chavez.

Natalia BRANDLER, PhD in Political Science from the University of Connecticut, Latin America Specialist

Sarai SUAREZ, Venezuelan Journalist

Francisco DOMINGUEZ, Director of the Center of Latin American Studies, Middlesex University

Mark WEISBROT, Co-director of the Centre for Economic and Policy Research

This Franco-American was RFI’s West Africa bureau chief in Abidjan from 1995 to 1998. He plays it straight on all issues, excepting his beloved Bleus in rugby and ice hockey’s New York Rangers!

ANNETTE YOUNGPresenter

Originally from Australia, she is a senior journalist and presenter who has reported from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. When not fronting the network’s new show on women’s issues, she is a news anchor and an international affairs commentator.

CYRIL VANIERJournalist

A bilingual law graduate, he joined France 24 in 2006. After several years reporting on major international stories, he now presents the news and The Debate on both the French and English channels.